Portland-based audiophile outfit Campfire Audio has announced its latest in-ear monitor (IEM), Clara, developed in collaboration with Alessandro Cortini of industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails.
This intriguing partnership combines Campfire’s renowned engineering with Cortini’s artistic vision, resulting in an IEM said to bridge the gap between professional-grade monitoring and emotionally engaging personal listening.
IEMs are designed for high-fidelity listening and offer superior noise isolation. They’re commonly used by musicians, and audiophiles. Unlike regular earbuds, they fit snugly inside the ear canal, creating a seal that helps to block out external noise, thereby improving the clarity of the audio.
The Clara IEM represents a year-long project between Campfire founder and lead acoustic engineer Ken Ball and Cortini, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee celebrated for his innovative approach to sound.
With its high-end feature set and emphasis on emotional resonance, the release represents a fascinating development in IEM design.
The Clara IEM represents a year-long collaboration between Campfire and Cortini, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee…
Clara’s hybrid driver configuration promises a nuanced and dynamic sound signature. Key innovations include a Dual Magnet Dynamic Driver, which incorporates a bio-cellulose diaphragm for precise bass and balanced audio; Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature Driver for enhanced midrange clarity, and Dual Super-Tweeters with TAEC technology, for detailed highs and a wide soundstage.
The IEM is housed in a transparent acrylic shell with navy accents, providing a semi-custom fit that ensures comfort for extended listening sessions.
Clara comes with a premium accessory suite, including dual Time Stream Duet cables (3.5mm and 4.4mm), a portable DAC dongle, multiple carrying cases, and an assortment of eartips to suit various preferences.
Ken Ball describes Clara as a personal milestone. “This collaboration with Alessandro has been one of the highlights of my career,” he says. “Clara injects emotion into accuracy, offering an experience that’s both precise and deeply engaging.”
Cortini adds: “Clara reflects my personal preferences in tuning and spatial portrayal, blending emotional engagement with technical precision. It’s a tool for musicians and a joy for audiophiles.”
The Campfire Clara IEM is priced at £1,999 and is available in the UK through Amazon.
UK Hi-Fi specialist Ruark has announced a limited-edition version of its flagship R810 radiogram, using marquetry and premium veneers, as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. The R810 occupies a particular niche in today’s audio landscape. Styled as a modern radiogram, it combines mid-century furniture design with contemporary streaming, high-resolution audio support and a wide…
Combining ravishing industrial design with advanced tube technology and vibration control, Swiss audio specialist Nagra’s newest preamplifier is aimed squarely at posh audiophiles for whom price is secondary to performance. Designed and built in Romanel-sur-Lausanne, the Preamp II-S is the first component in Nagra’s Series II range, positioned between the company’s Compact and HD lines.…
Speaker brand Mission has unveiled its first-ever network music player. A half-width design, the new 778S is designed to sit alongside the company’s 778X integrated amplifier, released in 2022. The 778S mirrors the proportions and design language of the 778X, measuring just 236 × 98 × 357mm. Compact and contemporary, its front panel sports twin…
The Luxe Review 
Portland-based audiophile outfit Campfire Audio has announced its latest in-ear monitor (IEM), Clara, developed in collaboration with Alessandro Cortini of industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails.
This intriguing partnership combines Campfire’s renowned engineering with Cortini’s artistic vision, resulting in an IEM said to bridge the gap between professional-grade monitoring and emotionally engaging personal listening.
IEMs are designed for high-fidelity listening and offer superior noise isolation. They’re commonly used by musicians, and audiophiles. Unlike regular earbuds, they fit snugly inside the ear canal, creating a seal that helps to block out external noise, thereby improving the clarity of the audio.
The Clara IEM represents a year-long project between Campfire founder and lead acoustic engineer Ken Ball and Cortini, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee celebrated for his innovative approach to sound.
With its high-end feature set and emphasis on emotional resonance, the release represents a fascinating development in IEM design.
Clara’s hybrid driver configuration promises a nuanced and dynamic sound signature. Key innovations include a Dual Magnet Dynamic Driver, which incorporates a bio-cellulose diaphragm for precise bass and balanced audio; Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature Driver for enhanced midrange clarity, and Dual Super-Tweeters with TAEC technology, for detailed highs and a wide soundstage.
The IEM is housed in a transparent acrylic shell with navy accents, providing a semi-custom fit that ensures comfort for extended listening sessions.
Clara comes with a premium accessory suite, including dual Time Stream Duet cables (3.5mm and 4.4mm), a portable DAC dongle, multiple carrying cases, and an assortment of eartips to suit various preferences.
Ken Ball describes Clara as a personal milestone. “This collaboration with Alessandro has been one of the highlights of my career,” he says. “Clara injects emotion into accuracy, offering an experience that’s both precise and deeply engaging.”
Cortini adds: “Clara reflects my personal preferences in tuning and spatial portrayal, blending emotional engagement with technical precision. It’s a tool for musicians and a joy for audiophiles.”
The Campfire Clara IEM is priced at £1,999 and is available in the UK through Amazon.
Ruark revisits flagship radiogram with limited edition artisan Made in England R810 MiE
UK Hi-Fi specialist Ruark has announced a limited-edition version of its flagship R810 radiogram, using marquetry and premium veneers, as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. The R810 occupies a particular niche in today’s audio landscape. Styled as a modern radiogram, it combines mid-century furniture design with contemporary streaming, high-resolution audio support and a wide…
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Combining ravishing industrial design with advanced tube technology and vibration control, Swiss audio specialist Nagra’s newest preamplifier is aimed squarely at posh audiophiles for whom price is secondary to performance. Designed and built in Romanel-sur-Lausanne, the Preamp II-S is the first component in Nagra’s Series II range, positioned between the company’s Compact and HD lines.…
Mission 778S streamer explained: UK speaker brand launches first hi-res network music player
Speaker brand Mission has unveiled its first-ever network music player. A half-width design, the new 778S is designed to sit alongside the company’s 778X integrated amplifier, released in 2022. The 778S mirrors the proportions and design language of the 778X, measuring just 236 × 98 × 357mm. Compact and contemporary, its front panel sports twin…
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